Soccer Recruiting Video: How to Make a Highlight Video for College Coaches

What should a soccer recruiting highlight video show?

A soccer recruiting video should show technical quality, decisions and the skills that matter for your position, in one to three minutes. Coaches watch many reels, so open with your best clip, mark yourself clearly and keep every clip short. For the general rules that apply to any sport, read How to Create a Highlight Video That Gets You Recruited.

What do soccer coaches look for?

Soccer coaches look at technical quality on the ball, tactical awareness, physical profile, work rate and the level of competition you play at. They also care about decisions: where you move without the ball, when you pass, how you handle pressure.

Clips by position

• Forwards: finishing in different ways, movement in the box, holding up the ball, pressing.
• Wingers: one-on-one dribbles, crosses, cutting inside, tracking back.
• Midfielders: passing range, switching play, winning the ball, covering ground.
• Defenders: tackles, interceptions, aerial duels, composure on the ball, recovery runs.
• Goalkeepers: saves of different types, one-on-ones, crosses, distribution and communication.

What to leave out

• Easy back passes and touches that anyone could make.
• Lucky deflections and goals that do not show your action.
• Distant, blurry plays where you are hard to find.
• Long gaps before and after the moment.

How to mark yourself

Use a circle, arrow or spotlight on yourself at the start of each clip, and keep it consistent. Open with a title card: name, class year, position, club, number, kit color and contact details. Many players also add a short line on the level they play at.

How long should it be?

One to three minutes is typical. A shorter reel with strong clips beats a long one with filler. See How Long Should a Highlight Video Be?

How to get good soccer footage

Film from the halfway line, as high as you can, in landscape, with a steady phone and no digital zoom. Record the whole game so you have plenty to choose from. Our guide covers it all: How to Film a Youth Sports Game.

How to build the reel quickly

Finding your moments in a 90-minute game is the slowest part. ON10, coming soon, follows you in phone video and clips your best moments with AI, and it works for soccer and many other sports. Join the waitlist.

FAQ

How long should a soccer recruiting video be?

One to three minutes for most players, with the best clip first.

Should a goalkeeper make a different reel?

Yes. Goalkeepers should show saves, distribution and command of the area, and mark themselves clearly in every clip.

Should I send full games as well?

Yes. Send the reel first and offer full games to coaches who want more. See Highlight Reel or Full Game Film?